Certificate Program in Clinical Research

Rationale for the Program

Clinicians and scientists who wish to work in clinical research often need additional didactic training in order to gain analytic skills that are not covered in their health professional or graduate education. Many faculty and fellows are not able to take the entire MS in Clinical Research track but would like evidence that they have successfully completed training in clinical research. The Maryland Higher Education Commission has approved the Certificate Program in Clinical Research.

Educational objectives of the Program

To provide didactic training (12 credits of coursework) in the core aspects of clinical research.

Design and conduct a study that minimizes bias and confounding.

Design studies that can be applied to clinical practice.

Access and critically appraise research literature in medicine and related domains.

Form research question, operationalize variables.

Know when and how to use quantitative methods and understand the results.

Choose the appropriate sample size and power to test hypotheses.

Effectively collect and maintain study data.

Evaluate and communicate study findings to scientific and lay audiences.

Write a research grant proposal that will successfully compete for funding.

Manage a research team and build multidisciplinary collaborations.

Respect and protect the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research.

Description of the program

This 12 credit certificate in clinical research program will provide training in the core competencies of clinical research including study design, biostatistics, data management, scientific communication and the ethical, legal and regulatory issues in clinical research.

List of courses

PREV 600 (3 credits) Principles of Epidemiology

PREV 616 (2 credits) Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research at UMB

PREV 706 (2 credits) Research Informatics: Data Management for Research

PREV 633 (1 credit) Application of Legal and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Research

Please note that PREV 620 must be taken concurrently with PREV 619 Introduction to SAS (1 credit). Most certificate students should plan to take PREV 621 unless they plan to transfer into the MS in Clinical Research program. If planning to transfer, students should take PREV 619 and PREV 620.